Let's meet Toby Smythe, a die-hard fairy god-father

It is Mother's Day and we celebrate by welcoming Silver James and Toby Smythe from Fairy Tales Can Come True a September 2010 release for the Class of '85. We heard a little bit from Toby last week during the interview with Big Mike Doogan. Today, we'll learn a bit more about him.

Where are you from, Toby?

I started out life in Bohemia, New York. That’s on Long Island. Now I call Milan, Italy home. That’s where all the fashion happens, honey. Not to mention that’s where the boss lady set up shop.

Tell us about “Fairy Tales”.

It's about Alex finding the bal…*cough*…fortitude to stand up and be her own person.

What did you think the first time you saw Alex, the heroine and Deke, the hero?

Oh. My. God! Alex was such a mousy little thing. She absolutely cowered whenever Alexander the Great *rolls eyes* glowered. But even he recognized she had terrific vision when he let her behind the camera. There’s this whole long story about how Alex changed her name to match his, you know. Just too-too cutesy, even for me!

The first time I saw Deke? Oh, honey! I just went all weak in the knees and wondered where all the good men had gone. *fans face*

What was your second thought?

I had the feeling that Dorothy Alexandra Reagan was gonna hit big in the fashion world if she’d ever get out of Alex London’s shadow. I worried when they got married and they became Alex London and Alex London. *shudder* But I was right. She’s an amazing fashion photographer.

Did you think it was love at first sight?

I wasn’t there when they actually met again for the first time, but from the stories I’ve heard? Oh, yeah. Deke swears he went brain dead because the blood all rushed someplace else. Alex just gets this stupid smile on her face and moons over the big hunk.

What do you like most about them?

Oh, honey! You do not want me to go there. What is there not to like about Deke Carpenter? He might bat for the other team, but let me tell you… Well, maybe I better not. Besides, he is so totally into the whole Prince Charming thing and Alex just goes all girly-girl whenever he walks into the room. They’re so cute. Like rainbow sprinkles on whipped cream.

How would you describe them?

Alex is a total sweetie. She’s got a backbone now, which is a good thing but sugar, that woman can make a plain girl look like a fashionista diva on film. She has this innate way of finding the beauty in everyone. Deke? *deep sigh* Honey, that man in a pair of board shorts could bring the dead to life. But he’s got brains and heart, too. Just what Alex needs. He loves her but he doesn’t let her get away with shit. He makes her stand on her own two feet.

How would they describe you?

Alex calls me her fairy godmother. Hey, if the shoe fits and it’s featured in Vogue, I’m there! Deke just sorta snickers but he knows who runs Alex’s show. I’m her right hand. And her left.

What made you choose assistant to a fashion photographer as a career?

Oh, please! I can’t walk in high heels so I sure couldn’t be a drag queen! I grew up trying on my sisters’ clothes. Then I started accessorizing them. What else is a boy with fashion sense and who come from Long Island going to do?

What is your biggest fear?

That I’ll wake up to look like Snookie. Her fashion sense is just so wrong on so many levels. Honey, that would just ruin my day!

How do you relax?

I watch America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway! Those shows totally rock my boat!

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

Sookie Stackhouse. That girl’s got it goin’ on! Course, I wouldn’t kick Eric out of bed for eating crackers, either.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. I mean, really! It’s the big stuff that makes or breaks you. The little stuff just irritates.

To Silver: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing?

I read everything I could get my hands on growing up. Mary Stewart, Ian Fleming, Andre Norton, and Robert Heinlein were all early influences. So was Louis L’Amour. Toby told me I’m a cross-genre dresser and I think he’s right! There’s a little romance, mystery, and magic in everything I write.

To learn more about Silver James and the stories she creates go to: http://www.silverjames.com

To purchase “Fairy Tales Can Come True” or “Promises, Promises”, go to http://www.thewildrosepress.com/silver-james-m-674.html

Welcome "Big Mike"

Good afternoon. Today I am so pleased to welcome Silver James and "Big Mike" Doogan, an important character in "Promises, Promises", the latest release from the Class of '85.

Stay tuned and enjoy this one; he's a honey.
Mallory

Where are you from, Mike?

Born and raised right there in Summerville, New York . I’m the third generation to run Doogan’s Pub and I’m pleased that Little Mike is continuing the family tradition.

What is Promises, Promises about?

I’d like to say it’s about Little Mike fightin’ for the woman he loves, but it’s really about Kelly figurin’ out that no man or woman is an island.

What did you think the first time you saw Mike and Kelly?

What can I say? I saw Little Mike right after he was born. He came out fightin’, according to the doctor, and he never stopped. Heart of gold that boy, just like his mama. Now, Kelly…I remember her from when the kids were in high school. Pretty thing and not really like her friends. She had some backbone, that one did. And then after all the problems with her husband and the divorce, and her comin’ home like she had to. Bless her heart. Like a whipped puppy she was, standing there at the train station in Rochester.

What was your second thought?

I worried about Little Mike, what with himself goin’ off to the Army and then his divorce. But he came home and now he runs Doogan’s Pub with me. I’m proud of my son. And Kelly? I figured she was one to ride the river with and if Mike was smart, he’d grab on with both hands and never let go.

Did you think it was love at first sight for them?

I think it was for Little Mike. Heh, he’s taller n’me but I’ve still got a couple of pounds on him. Guess “Little Mike” is sorta one of those misnomer things. Anyway, Mike got all protective about her and I could tell he had feelings that ran a bit deeper. Kelly needed somebody to take care of her. Not that she isn’t capable all on her own, mind you! Just sometimes, a body needs someone to lean on, right?

What do you like most about Kelly and Mike?

They are both honorable. If they make a promise, they follow through and get it done. That’s a big deal in my book.

How would you describe them?

Steady. My boy is steady like a rock. And he cares. For a big guy, he’s gentle. And Kelly? That girl is a spitfire. And she’s not afraid of hard work. Given her folks and all, I was a little surprised but she’s made of the right stuff.

How would they describe you?

Kelly says I’m a teddy bear. Mike? I hope he’d describe me as the man he’d like to be someday. I want him to be as proud of me as I am of him.

What made you choose owning Doogan's Pub as a profession?

I co-own the Pub now. I signed half over to Little Mike awhile ago, only he doesn’t know it yet. I can’t imagine not being at the Pub. We’re a family there. Little Mike, Kelly….Maggie.

Note from Mallory: At this point we had an intruder in the form of Toby Smythe, another of Silver's delightfully unique characters. From Fairy Tales Can Come True, he'll join us next week. Toby is . . . a life force all on his own—and never resists an opportunity to insert his opinion. Not that Big Mike will take the bait for long.

Toby: Speaking of Maggie. Jeez, big guy, when are you going to take care of that? You look like a fanboy mooning over Judy Garland every time she walks by. It’s not like we don’t know you’re crushing on her. Like big time!

What is your biggest fear?

Big Mike: *clears throat* I’m not afraid of anything.

Toby: Dude! You’re afraid Maggie will find someone else! Or that she won’t love you. Too late, for that!

How do you relax?

[Ignoring the pesky Toby], Big Mike says, I’ll have a pint and a game of darts at the Pub.

Who's your favorite fictional character and why?

[Still ignoring Toby who has now launched into an off-key rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”] Big Mike says, Sean Thornton in “The Quiet Man.” John Wayne is my go-to hero but that role in particular. Now there was a man with honor!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Big Mike: M’dad always told me, “A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart.” I’ve always tried to live by those words, and teach Mike to do the same.

To Silver: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing?

I read everything I could get my hands on growing up. Mary Stewart, Ian Fleming, Andre Norton, and Robert Heinlein were all early influences. So was Louis L’Amour. There’s a little romance, mystery, and magic in everything I write.

And, a big thanks to Mallory for inviting Big Mike and me to visit. I’m sure he would love to stand everyone a round of beer at Doogan’s now that Promises, Promises is out.

To learn more about Silver and the stories she creates go to: http://www.silverjames.com

To purchase “Promises, Promises”go to: www.thewildrosepress.com/silver-james-m-674.html